Three news items, April 24, 1861

Three items from the Alexandria Gazette, April 24, 1861.

The Alexandria Gazette reported on April 24, 1861, that the city's convention delegate, George William Brent, had returned home two days earlier and received a hearty welcome. Brent had voted against secession on April 4 and again on April 17, but he later signed two copies of the Ordinance of Secession. The newspaper also reported on stagnant business conditions and that "Nothing moves now on the river but war steamers and small craft." Because "many of our mechanics and laboring men are out of employment," the editor wrote, "Those who can, at this season, give work, should do so."

Three items from the Alexandria Gazette, April 24, 1861.SERENADED— Our delegate to the State Convention, Major George Wm. Brent, was serenaded on Monday night, at his residence, by the Alexandria Brass Band. Maj. B. responded to the compliment in a brief, but very appropriate speech.

The steamer James Guy, a freight and passenger river boat, was allowed yesterday to proceed on her trip down the Potomac. The steamer Columbia is at Baltimore, laid up for the present. Nothing moves now on the river but war steamers and small craft.

As was stated yesterday, active business is nearly suspended here, and many of our mechanics and laboring men are out of employment. They bear up, however, bravely, under the pressure of the times. Those who can, at this season, give work, should do so.